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Smart Celebrations: How to Stretch Your Holiday Budget Without Sacrificing Joy

  The holiday season often brings cheer, but it can also strain wallets. With rising costs and endless temptations, keeping spending under control requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical strategies to help you celebrate without financial stress: Set a clear budget : Decide how much you can afford before shopping, and stick to it. Prioritize experiences over things : Shared activities like baking, movie nights, or volunteering can be more memorable than expensive gifts. Shop smart : Compare prices online, take advantage of seasonal sales, and avoid last-minute splurges. Give creatively : Handmade gifts, personalized notes, or “time vouchers” (like babysitting or cooking a meal) often mean more than store-bought items. Limit impulse buys : Make a list before hitting the stores—or browsing online—and resist adding extras. Plan ahead for next year : Start a small savings fund in January to ease the burden when the holidays roll around again. By focusing on tho...
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Maximizing Your Tax Return: Uncover Hidden Deductions for 2024

 

Getting the most out of your tax return can feel like an early spring bonus. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a newcomer, there are lesser-known deductions that could significantly impact your bottom line. 

While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made filing expenses for people who work from home more complicated this year, there are still plenty of tax-deductible expenses that Canadians might be missing out on:

  • Children’s Summer Camps: Yes, you can claim credits for those enriching summer experiences.
  • Investment Expenses: If you have non-registered investment accounts, don’t overlook these costs.
  • Alimony Payments: If you’re making alimony payments, they may be deductible.
  • Moving Costs: Certain circumstances allow you to claim moving expenses.
  • Canadian employment amount: You can get credit for uniforms, work supplies, and more, up to $1,368 per year. Plus, if you subscribe to a Canadian news source, you can write off the cost of your subscription. 
  • Charitable donations: offer excellent tax benefits, especially for high-income earners. 
  • Contributing to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): is a powerful way to boost your refund and save for retirement. Here’s the magic number: aim for 18% of your income, up to the maximum of $30,780. Be strategic about how much you contribute to retirement savings accounts and charities—this could be the difference between owing the government money or getting a refund.

Remember, every dollar saved through deductions and credits adds up. So, dive into the lesser-known deductions, make smart RRSP contributions, and unlock hidden tax benefits. 

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